Financial Aid Tips for Black Students
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on March 11, 2022 Here are some tips to help Black students receive all of the financial aid for which they may be eligible! 1. Complete the FAFSA for the Correct Aid Year Your first step to learn what financial aid you’re eligible to receive will always be to visit studentaid.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Right now, there are two FAFSA forms open: the 2021 – 2022 and 2022 – 2023 FAFSA. If you plan on attending school in the Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023, please complete the 2022 – 2023 FAFSA using your 2020 tax return. If you plan on attending school in Spring 2022 and/or Summer 2022, please complete the 2021 – 2022 FAFSA using your 2019 tax return. The quickest ways for students and their families to complete the FAFSA are online or through the mobile app (myStudentAid), but there is also the option to complete the application by mail. Deadlines for the FAFSA may vary by state and can be viewed on studentaid.gov. 2. Where the Money Resides for College All students (part-time and full-time) should apply for financial aid. By submitting a free financial aid application, you may qualify for over 10 types of federal grants, loans, and work-study funds that can help cover the cost of college. Colleges also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state and institutional grants and scholarships. After submitting your application and any required documentation, it’s important to not only review your financial aid award, but also your anticipated costs. Be sure to consider all costs from tuition, fees and books to housing, food and transportation/travel. When you understand the amount of financial aid you’re eligible to receive, the type of aid awarded, and how much your bill would be, you will better understand which institution will meet your financial and academic needs. 3. Know Your Rights Since the 2022 – 2023 financial aid award will be based on 2020 tax returns, students’ household income could look totally different now. Did you know that by federal law, there are certain reasons you can request a change to your financial aid package through what’s called a “professional judgment” or “special circumstances” appeal? Reasons to appeal your financial aid award include but are not limited to job loss, loss of a loved one, medical expenses, childcare, or other financial setbacks. On the homepage for submitting your FAFSA, the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) shares that financial aid offices can adjust your financial aid award to reflect you or your family’s current income. For appeals, FSA advises students to contact the financial aid office at the school they plan to attend. Not sure where to start when contacting the financial aid office? There is a free tool, SwiftStudent, that offers downloadable templates for students to request adjustments to their financial aid award. Since launching in 2020, the free site has been used by 75,000+ students. SOURCE: Shar-day Campbell, financial aid expert and Fellow at the Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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